Independent Walking
ALSACE- Vineyards & Mountains
O ur independent walking holiday in the Alsace explores two distinct areas: the famous Alsace vineyards and the Vosges hills and valleys that border them. The Alsace vines are rightly famous for not only producing a number of unique wines, but also for their rich architectural and historical heritage. You ' ll get the chance to explore a number of medieval castles atop striking outposts and pretty unspoilt villages decorated with beautiful floral displays and their cobbled alleyways lined with typical Alsace houses. All this set in a perfect decor of timeless valleys covered in vines, orchards and woods. Rising to the west are the Vosges mountains, their slopes providing memorable views across their rounded summits, known as Ballons.
Walks: day-by-day
Day 1: Arrival – Arrival at Eguisheim, one of the most beautiful villages on the wine route; nestling in a wonderful green setting close to three chateaux.
Day 2: Eguisheim- Turkheim 18km The first ascent leads to three chateaux in Eguisheim and later on to Hohlansbourg Chateau, offering a panoramic view over Colmar and the Alsace Plain which is dotted with numerous pretty villages. You then walk to the extremely beautiful town of Turkheim which boasts a collection of fine historic buildings.
Day 3: Turkheim- Kaysersberg 15km Today ' s walk takes you from Turkheim to Kaysersberg, a pretty town with a charming historic centre, known for its floral displays. Your itinerary traverses the vineyards famed for producing the best of the Alsace vintage wines.
Optional extra day Optional extra night at Kaysersberg giving you more time to visit this historic town or to walk to Riquewihr, one of the prettiest historic villages in the region( 3hrs there and back).
Day 4: Kaysersberg- Munster 24km On Day 4 you leave the vineyards behind to discover your first summits of the picturesque Vosges. From Kaysersberg( 250m) you reach the village of Labaroche and the summit of Petit Honack( 927m). After the Croix de Whor Pass( 840m), the path leads to Munster in the heart of the Vosges Massif. Optional taxi to reduce distance & ascent.
Day 5: Munster- Wintzfeldon 15km Climb towards Wassenburg( 746m) and the summit of Mühlenkopf( 805m) before descending back down to the vines and the village of Wintzfeldon.
Day 6: Wintzfeldon- Eguisheim 18km For your last day you ' ll take an extremely beautiful terraced path dominating the Rhine Valley, leading gently towards Gueberschwihr( an extremely beautiful village). On route to Eguisheim you’ ll pass Celtic religious sites and a historic abbey.
Day 7 Departure- Transfer to Lyon after breakfast
♦ A week that takes in the full diversity of the southern Alsace
♦ Spectacular chateaux and ruins in a region that has a rich historic legacy
♦ Wonderful villages full of local charm & typical of the region
♦ Famous vineyards home of classic " Grands Crus "
♦ Explore the picturesque Vosges hills & valleys with unforgettable panoramas
GUIDED / INDEPENDENT Price: Grade: Profile:
At a Glance
Dates: April
See Price List
Oct
Independent Walking
Price p / p See Price List or Web Site for details Extra night available at Kaysersberg
Walking Profile
Holiday Profile
5 or 6 days self-guided walking, moving between hotels. The walking is on good tracks and paths mainly in forests and vines with effective way-marking. In general the holiday is at the upper end of moderate in grade. However it does have its more challenging moments due to a number of ascents and a day with 25km of walking with considerable ascent( optional taxi for this day). Walk lengths: 15- 25km, Average daily ascent: 700m. This holiday would be suitable for those with some walking experience
6 nights: 5 days self-guided walking, moving between hotels Starts everyday except sundays
Accommodation
4 nights in 3 star hotels, 2 nights in 2 star hotels, all on half board basis. The hotels are relatively small guest houses with character where you ' ll be reserved a warm welcome.
What’ s included
What’ s not included
6 nights ' half board accommodation, full walking notes and maps, transport of luggage between guest houses
Travel to Eguisheim, France; lunches, visits, drinks with evening meals, travel insurance contact @ highpointholidays. co. uk
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